SOMETIME ago I wrote a letter to the print media stating that there will be trouble come elections day. In that letter, I outlined in a detailed way my reasons for making such a conclusion. To date, none of the dailies have published my article. However, I am again submitting a letter highlighting this fact, which will be and I repeat, will be the defining factor whether general elections 2011 will be a peaceful exercise or would we see a return of the usual fear and mayhem. Now the problem lies with GECOM’s policy in the issuance of identification cards (voter identification apparatus) which is based solely on the name stated on one’s birth certificate. I made this observation in my home constituency Berbice where there are a number of persons so disenfranchised by the new policy. Other such glaring abnormalities can be found all across the country. The discontent has become a widespread, seething cauldron which will definitely boil over into the streets.

GECOM, whether intentionally or otherwise has made it mandatory that each registrant must carry the name written on one’s birth certificate which is problem number one. There are individuals who have been using their baptismal names or those given by God Parents or by the priest/pastor for all their lives. All previous forms of identification, as well as legal documents bear same which makes their existence perfectly legal; why change now? It is rather sinister that the Elections Commission should institute a policy at such an important juncture, when it is a known fact that it could lead to violence.
So GECOM’s policy first axed out many potential voters by turning them down at the initial house-to-house registration. The situation becomes even more distressing when those persons registered in the amnesty period turned up recently to collect their ID cards, were either told that they “registered late” or they can collect their IDs next month, meaning December. What bunk! Those persons were legitimately enfranchised during the week of late registration, so why hold their ID cards in abeyance?  Who gives GECOM the right to turn them down now?  The stakes are high this election period, the tension is high. Therefore, to place obstacles in the path of voters is just asking for trouble. Again, I say this could be a recipe for disaster, because these persons will turn up to vote on November 28 and they have every legal right to do so. Being denied the relevant documents to do so, by an institution which has dubious reasons at best is totally unacceptable.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no voter apathy, there are many persons out there who are willing and able to vote, in fact, it is my firm belief that this election will see a record turn out! However, GECOM is carrying out a campaign to deny voters their rights and this attempt must be thwarted at all costs.

It is said to be forewarned is to be forearmed and that is exactly what I have set out to do- to avoid the impending catastrophe. The government must urge GECOM to either grant those persons, who according to them are “having the peculiar problems”, their IDs, so that they can exercise their franchise or allow persons to vote with their old IDs. Because with so many individuals without a means of casting their ballot there is no way the local or foreign observer groups will give this election a passing grade and I do not think the PPP/C would want that to happen.